Key Takeaways
- The American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends a comprehensive eye exam every one to two years after age 65, even without noticeable symptoms.
- Common age-related vision changes include presbyopia, reduced contrast sensitivity, and dry eye, while conditions like glaucoma often develop with no early warning signs.
- A comprehensive eye exam after 65 includes pupil dilation and screening for diabetic eye disease, glaucoma, and other age-related conditions, not just an updated glasses prescription.
- Bringing a current medication list, vision insurance information, and a list of any new symptoms helps the appointment go smoothly.
- Conestoga Eye's ophthalmologist and optometrists in Lancaster and Hershey, PA specialize in comprehensive adult eye care, and requesting an appointment takes just a few minutes online.
Why Eye Exams Matter More After 65
Vision changes gradually with age, and some of those changes are easy to notice while others are not. A comprehensive eye exam does more than update a glasses prescription. It gives Conestoga Eye's providers a full picture of eye health, catching problems early when they are most treatable.
Common Age-Related Vision Changes
Presbyopia, the gradual loss of near vision that makes small print harder to read, is one of the most noticeable changes and usually begins in a person's 40s. Other changes are subtler. As the eyes age, many people experience a gradual loss of contrast sensitivity, or difficulty telling an object apart from a similarly colored background, such as a white coffee cup on a white table. A mild decline is normal, but a bigger drop can be an early sign of cataracts or age-related macular degeneration.
The Silent Risk: Glaucoma and Other Conditions Without Symptoms
Some eye diseases progress with no obvious symptoms at all. Open-angle glaucoma, the most common form of the disease, typically causes no warning signs in its early stages, and most people do not notice any change in their vision until damage has already occurred. This is why regular comprehensive eye exams matter even for patients who feel their vision is fine.
How Often Should You Get an Eye Exam After 65?
The American Academy of Ophthalmology bases its recommended exam frequency on age, since the risk of developing eye disease increases over time.
| Age Range | Recommended Exam Frequency |
|---|---|
| 40 to 54 years | Every 2 to 4 years |
| 55 to 64 years | Every 1 to 3 years |
| 65 years and older | Every 1 to 2 years |
Patients with diabetes, a family history of eye disease, or other risk factors may need more frequent visits. Conestoga Eye's providers can recommend a personalized exam schedule based on individual health history.
What Additional Screenings Are Included in an Exam After 65?
A comprehensive eye exam for adults over 65 typically goes beyond a standard vision check and may include:
- Dilation, which allows the provider to view the retina and optic nerve directly.
- Glaucoma monitoring, including a check of eye pressure and the appearance of the optic nerve.
- Diabetic eye screening for patients managing diabetes or elevated blood sugar.
- Contrast sensitivity and visual acuity testing, which can reveal early signs of cataracts or macular changes that a basic eye chart might miss.
Conestoga Eye's medical eye care team provides these screenings as part of a comprehensive medical eye exam for adults in Lancaster and Hershey, PA.
How to Prepare for Your Comprehensive Eye Exam
A little preparation makes the appointment easier and more productive:
- Bring a current list of medications and supplements, since some can affect eye health or tear production.
- Bring vision and medical insurance cards, along with a valid photo ID.
- Write down any new or changing symptoms, even ones that seem minor.
- Arrange a ride home if possible, since dilation can temporarily blur near vision and increase light sensitivity.
Schedule Your Comprehensive Eye Exam With Conestoga Eye
Vision changes are a normal part of aging, but many sight-threatening conditions are treatable when caught early. Conestoga Eye's ophthalmologists and optometrists provide comprehensive medical eye exams for adults in Lancaster and Hershey, PA, with the screenings needed to protect long-term eye health.
Request an appointment for a comprehensive eye exam with Conestoga Eye today.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should you get an eye exam after 65?
The American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends a comprehensive eye exam every one to two years for adults 65 and older, even without symptoms. Patients with diabetes or other risk factors may need more frequent visits.
What happens during a comprehensive eye exam for older adults?
A comprehensive eye exam includes visual acuity testing, dilation, and screening for glaucoma, diabetic eye disease, and other age-related conditions. It is more thorough than a basic vision check for glasses or contacts.
Where can I find a comprehensive eye exam near me for adults over 65?
Conestoga Eye offers comprehensive medical eye exams for adults at its Lancaster and Hershey, PA locations, with providers experienced in age-related eye health.
Is dilation always part of an exam after 65?
Dilation is a standard part of a comprehensive eye exam for older adults because it allows the provider to examine the retina and optic nerve directly, which is important for catching conditions like glaucoma and macular degeneration early.
